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Evolution of Employment Equity Programs in Canada. Presentation to Sikkuy by Gay Stinson Employment Equity Specialist (retired from the Canadian federal public service) Haifa, Israel March 23, 2010. Structure of Presentation.
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Evolution of Employment Equity Programs in Canada Presentation to Sikkuy by Gay Stinson Employment Equity Specialist (retired from the Canadian federal public service) Haifa, Israel March 23, 2010
Structure of Presentation 1 Evolution of legislative and policy framework for equality - 1950 to the present 2 What we have and how it works The Employment Equity Act (EEA), and Results 2007-8 The Federal Contractors Program (FCP) The Racism Free Workplace Strategy (RFWS) 3 Measuring Progress 4 Implementation Annexes
1. Evolution of legislative and policy framework for equality 1948: United Nations Declaration of Human Rights 1960s Equal Opportunity Programs - right to work and advance on the basis of merit, ability and potential 1960: First Canadian Bill of Rights 1970s: Establishment of Human Rights Commissions 1975: International Women’s Year Federal Contractors Program for Women 1970s Human Rights Commissions established in all provinces: new concepts Systemic Discrimination, special measures, duty to accommodate 1977 Canadian Human Rights Act
Policy and program development 1978: Voluntary Affirmative Action Program 1979 : Federal Contractors Program: 3 Groups 1980: Affirmative Action Pilot Program 4 Groups and Public Service Pilot Blacks in Nova Scotia as a regional 4th group Pilot 4 groups in key departments in public service Visible minorities becomes the fourth designated group (Blacks in Nova Scotia removed as a regional designated group) 1982: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms 1988 Canadian Multiculturalism Act 1990 Canadian Race Relations Act
ABELLA COMMISSION 1983-1984 1983-1985: Royal Commission on Equality in Employment - Justice Rosalie SilbermanAbella * “Sometimes equality means treating people the same, despite their differences, and sometimes it means treating them as equals by accommodating their differences.” Justice Rosalie SilbermanAbella Cemented important concepts and terms: Systemic Discrimination; no fault; “Employment Equity” *Supreme Court Justice Rosalie SilbermanAbella Recipient of Walter Tarnopolsky Human Rights Award Equality and discrimination theories contributed to development in other Commonwealth countries
2. What we have and how it works 2.1 The Employment Equity Act 2.2 The Federal Contractors Program 2.3 The Racism Free Workplace Strategy
2. What we have and how it works2.1 The Employment Equity Act 1985 Bill C-62: An Act respecting Employment Equity: received Royal Assent in 1986 Purpose – to achieve equality in the workplace Increase representation of four designated groups: ie; achieve appropriate representation of designated groups at all levels of all occupational groups
2. What we have and how it works 2.1 The Employment Equity Act “The purpose of this Act is to achieve equality in the workplace so that no person shall be denied employment opportunities or benefits for reasons unrelated to ability and, in the fulfillment of that goal, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by women, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities by giving effect to the principle that employment equity means more than treating persons in the same way but also requires special measures and the accommodation of differences.” LEEP became operational 1988 with first reports FCP continued as contract obligation
2.1 The Employment Equity ActPARLIAMENTARY REVIEW – 1992-1993 HoC Parliamentary Committee, EEA Review Chaired by Alan Redway, MP Redway Report Progress for Women and VMs Modest improvements for AP and Pw/Ds
2.1 The Employment Equity ActNew EEA & Regs – 1994-1996 1994; Bill C-64, new Employment Equity Act Received Royal Assent in 1995 to present day New EEA; 4 major changes CHRC receives authority to audit LEEP Inclusion of Federal Public Service Responsibilities of FCP codified Mandatory review of EEA, every 5 years
2.1 The Employment Equity Act To Whom Does the Act Apply? Employers covered by the Employment Equity Act* Employees Federally Regulated Private Sector & Crown Corporations 733,789 Federal Public Service 179,540 Separate Employers 71,057 Canadian Statistics** Aged 15 Years & Over Other Public Sector Employers 130,442 Population 25,664,220 Federal Contractors 1,128,637 Labour Force 18,418,100 Total 2,243,465 Employees covered by the Act constitute 12% of the Canadian Labour Force Federal jurisdiction: banks, communication, transportation, other specialized areas * Labour Program 2008 Annual Report ** 2006 Census of Canada conducted by Statistics Canada
2.1 The Employment Equity Act Employer Obligations under the Act • s • Consult with employee representatives (union or other) • Maintain employment equity records – self identification • Survey the workforce, identify any under-representation • Identify and correct any SD in employment systems • Design and implement a plan to achieve appropriate representation • Report on measures and progress • Monitor and adjust when and where necessary
2.1 The Employment Equity Act Report each calendar year (by June 1) on: • The representation of the four designated groups • Women, Aboriginal peoples, Persons with disabilities an Visible minorities The proportion of: • Hiring, Promotion and Terminations Measures undertaken to implement the plan Minister makes labour market information available Minister of Labour tables in Parliament and public • Also sends reports to CHRC for use in systemic discrimination monitoring
Representation and Availability of the Designated Groups for All Employers Covered by the EEA in 2007 2.1 The Employment Equity Act Results 2007-8 Employers Women Aboriginal Peoples Persons with Disabilities Members of Visible Minorities R* A** R* A** R* A** R* A** Federally Regulated Private Sector & Crown Corporations 42.7% 47.9% 1.9% 3.1% 2.7% 4.9% 15.9% 15.3% Federal Public Service 53.9% 52.3% 4.2% 3.0% 5.7% 4.0% 8.8% 12.4% Separate Employers 56.7% 47.9% 2.8% 3.1% 4.9% 4.9% 12.0% 15.3% Other Public Sector Employers 18.4% 47.9% 3.1% 3.3% 1.4% 4.9% 3.5% 12.5% Total*** 42.6% 48.6% 2.5% 3.1% 3.2% 4.8% 13.0% 14.5% * “R” refers to the percentage representation of the designated group. ** “A” refers to the percentage workforce availability from the 2006 Census of Canada and the 2006 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS). *** The total excludes the Federal Contractors.
2. What we have and how it works 2.2 The Federal Contractors Program Applies to Contractors with federal government for goods and services: >100 employees; $200,000+ Equivalent employer requirements to EE Act, but ... Different enforcement ( e/ers not in federal jurisdiction) Initial and follow-up compliance Reviews Disbarment Sanction Compliance Reviews NHQ; Disbarment and reinstatement Regions (Delivery)
2.2 The Federal Contractors Program Compliance Requirements Step One: Initiate EE plan: Data Collection • Identify senior responsible person; establish consultation process with union and employee representatives, develop self id process, conduct data collection on employees and code for ee Step Two Analysis: Workforce Analysis • Analyze data to determine representation of all groups in each occupational group; identify • under-representation; prepare workforce profile • Review employment systems for evidence of impact on groups
2.2 The Federal Contractors Program Compliance Requirements Step Three: Creating an Employment Equity Plan • Develop short term goals for hiring and promotion of under represented groups • Create action plan to remove barriers identified in employment systems • Determine special measures required • Design accommodations • Establish long term goals • Write up employer ee plan and communicate to employees
2.2 The Federal Contractors Program Compliance Requirements Step Four: Implementing/Sustaining the EE plan • Ensure mechanism to sustain data collection, analysis, monitoring of results, adjustment of plan • Ongoing communication of results, collaboration with union where present • Monitor on a regular basis that guidelines and procedures are in place and being respected • Review officer verifies on-site if employer has: • Conducted all necessary data collection and designed and implemented EE plan
Welcome to HRSDC(Human Resources Social development Canada)a.k.a. LSWE(Labour Standards & Worlkplace Equity) CAPAR partners National Film Board Metropolis Project (Citizenship and Immigration) Canadian Race Relations Foundation Canadian Human Rights Commission Provincial Human Rights Commissions The Canada Labour Code Part III - Primary objective is to establish and protect the federally regulated work place partners’ (employer/ employee) right to fair and equitable conditions of employment - Minimum standards do not interfere with more favourable rights or benefits established by collective agreement or individual employment contracts Interprovincial and international services such as: Federal Jurisdiction: types of Activities BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS Promote fair, inclusive and racism-free workplaces Racism Prevention Officers provide front-line assistance Raise awareness on workplace racial discrimination Help employers in their recruitment, retention and advancement of visible minorities and Aboriginal peoples Build networks between community NGOs and employers Provide tools and direct support to employers and other clients on racism-free workplace issues Deliver racism-free workplace awareness sessions Help employers address workplace racism-related conflict Federal Jurisdiction: types of Activities (cont’d) Some of the Subjects Covered Under Part III Hours of Work Annual Vacations General Holidays Reassignment, Maternity Leave and Parental Leave Compassionate Care Leave Reservist Leave KEY ACTIVITES Fair Wages and Hours of Labour Act Revitalization of FCP : 2004 - Ongoing Applies to workers employed on federal construction projects, which are solely funded by the federal government. Establishes the fair wage schedules, the hours of work, and other employment practices for those workers. The Act defines “fair wages” as such wages that are generally accepted as current for competent workmen in the district in which the work is being performed. An Introduction to Labour Standards Educate employers, unions and employees on the provisions of the Code, regulations and other pertinent Acts, and promote compliance. Write Operation Program Directives (OPDs) which guide inspectors when dealing with labour standards issues; Write Interpretation Policy Guidelines (IPGs) which provide a departmental interpretation on various subject and issues; Provide guidance and interpretation to Regions, ADM, DM and MO on labour standards; Answer general public questions. 2007 Léger Marketing found 47% of Canadians admit to be at least slightly racist, and 92% have witnessed racist behaviour 2005 Ipsos-Reid survey said 17% of Canadians believe they have been victims of racism 2003 Statistics Canada’s Ethnic DiversitySurvey indicated 35% perception of racism in the workplace by visible minorities 2003 Ekos survey, indicates 46% of Aboriginal Peoples living off-reserve are victims of racism or discrimination 2002 Ipsos-Reid found 61% of Canadians think racism against Aboriginal Peoples separates them from society RACIAL DISCRIMINATION – CANADA What is pay equity? Pay equity is a fundamental human right Employers must pay the same wages to men and women doing work of equal value within the same establishment Job value must be measured using 4 criteria: Demographic 2006 Census Data and various Statistics Canada reports Visible minorities and Aboriginal Peoples: 20.0% of population* Declining fertility rates and aging population (Baby-boomers retiring) Immigration predominantly from non-European countries Social Dr. Jefrrey Reitz and Rupa Banerjee; 2007: Belonging? Diversity, Recognition and Shared Citizenship Inclusive society and shared citizenship is a core Canadian value Many visible minority immigrants and their offspring indicate a sense of exclusion from society Economic Conference Board of Canada Workplace racism and discrimination has a negative impact on organizations, the economy and the country *2006 Census Data: Visible Minorities (16.2%) and Aboriginal Peoples (3.8%) CANADA’S CHALLENGES Pay Equity Basics Existing federal pay equity provisions found in 3 laws: Canadian Human Rights Act Equal Wage Guidelines, 1986 Canada Labour Code Applies to All federally regulated employers regardless of size Pay Equity is different than Employment Equity The Pay Equity Program Program Objective Three Proactive Initiatives: Education & Promotion Labour Program Officers Compliance Monitoring Compensation Specialists Mediation Conciliation & Mediation Officers Notification of Canadian Human Rights Commission Other Program Services Krishan Kumar Policy, Reporting and Data Development Labour Standards, Interpretation & Application Unit – Roles and Responsibilities 2004 Eleven Criteria and associated requirements; Detailed procedures for conducting Initial Compliance Reviews; Priority on Compliance Reviews. 2004-2006 Development and Release of Steps 1-3 (Achieving Initial Compliance); Release of Step 4 (Verification On-site Visit); LABOUR STANDARDS POLICY AND LEGISLATION The RFWS promotes a fair and inclusive workplace, free of discriminatory barriers to the employment and advancement of members of visible minorities and Aboriginal peoples It focuses on private-sector workplaces under the jurisdiction of the Employment Equity Act and the Federal Contractors Program, thereby complementing and increasing the Act’s effectiveness Crown corporations Banks Indians and lands reserved for Indians Postal services Grain Elevators OBJECTIVE OFFICIAL LAUNCH – March 21, 2005 RACISM-FREE WORKPLACE STRATEGYLabour Standards and Workplace Equity,Program Development and GuidanceHRSDC – Labour ProgramApril 2008 The Employment Equity Act Purpose Achieve equality in workplace Increase representation of four designated groups To Whom Does the Act Apply? Private Sector Employers Legislated Employment Equity Program (LEEP) Federal Contractors Program (FCP) Public Sector Employers Public Service Separate Employers Other Employers Policy, Reporting and Data Development (PRDD) 2008 Release of Four Step Guidelines Tools and Templates Vetted with CHRC for Consistency 2009 (Spring) Release of new availability data from 2006 Census/PALS Disseminate information about employment equity Consult with employee representatives Maintain employment equity records Report annually by June 1 on previous year’s employment equity data Legislated Employment Equity Program Employment Equity Policy Mandate Legislative Review: EE Act Return to Work/Disability Terminations Study Looking to the Future: a Strategic Policy for Employment Equity Promotion Reporting and Analysis Mandate Receives, verifies and analyzes reports from LEEP employers and makes them public Consolidates LEEP employer reports into the Minister of Labour’s EE Act Annual Report Manages various databases Reporting and Analysis Mandate - Continued Collect workforce information Conduct workforce analysis Review employment systems, policies and practices Prepare, implement, and monitor Employment Equity Plan Review and revise Employment Equity Plan periodically Data Development and Research Mandate Federal Government launched the Canada’s Action Plan Against Racism (CAPAR) The Racism-Free Workplace Strategy (RFWS) is HRSDC-Labour Program’s component of CAPAR A joint effort with participation from 4 departments (Citizenship and Immigration, Justice, Canadian Heritage, and HRSDC-Labour) to strengthen social cohesion, further Canada's human rights framework, and demonstrate leadership against racism and hate-motivated crime MANDATE Federal Contractors program (FCP) - Contractors with >100 employees; $200,000; Equivalent requirements to EE Act Initial and follow-up compliance Reviews Disbarment Sanction LEEP Support Provide advice and assistance to LEEP employers related to achieving and maintaining compliance Promotion of Employment Equity Workplace Equity Operations Drafted a discussion paper and consulted with key stakeholders, invited submissions and placed on our web page with an invitation to submit comments; Consulted with government partners and prepared summary on progress in implementing government commitments from last review; A “Briefing Binder” for the Minister to submit to HUMA has been prepared including a summary of the responses received. Labour Program Preparation Since Act of 1986 it is a requirement every five years; 1991; (1996 Revised Act); 2001; 2006 (pending); December 13, 2006 Parliament referred review to Standing Committee on Human Resources skill Development ,Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA); Not on HUMA’s agenda when Parliament was Prorogued this fall; New Referral motion as of yet. Legislative Review MANDATE: Operational and Strategic Policy for LEEP/FCP Legislative Review: EE Act Return to Work/Disability Terminations Study Looking to the Future: a Strategic Policy for Employment Equity Promotion Employment Equity Policy Federal Contractors Program 2008 Release of Revised Steps 1-3 (Achieving Initial compliance; Release of New Step 4 (Maintaining Compliance); Procedures for Initial Reviews – OPD Up-date of WEP 2000 2007 Procedures for Follow-up Reviews - OPD; Initiation of follow-up reviews THE END! Provides labour market workforce availability benchmark respecting the four designated groups based on Census/PALS data Provides training, consultation and expert advice to Regional Workplace Equity Officers (WEOs) and employers Releases an Employment Equity Data Report every five years Provides assistance on Employment Equity Computerized Reporting System (EECRS) through the Help Line Develops tools to facilitate work processes in EE Educates and trains Regional Workplace Equity Officers (WEOs) and employers 2. What we have and how it works 2.3 The Racism Free Workplace Strategy Federal Government launched Canada’s Action Plan Against Racism (CAPAR) A joint effort with participation from 4 departments (Citizenship and Immigration, Justice, Canadian Heritage, and HRSDC-Labour) to strengthen social cohesion, further Canada's human rights framework, and demonstrate leadership against racism and hate-motivated crime The Racism-Free Workplace Strategy (RFWS) is HRSDC-Labour Program’s component of CAPAR, dealing with employment Employer Obligations under the Act Employer Obligations under the Act Élise Lalonde Bereavement Leave Terminations Sick Leave Work-related Illness and Injury Unjust Dismissal Payment of Wages Sexual Harassment Workplace Equity Operations And Employment Equity Policy The Pay Equity Program Prepared for the Orientation Session Robert C. Mercier, A/Manager Pay Equity Program • canals • ferries, tunnels and bridges • broadcasting (e.g. radio and television) • air transportation QUESTIONS??? • railways • road transport • telephone, telegraph • marine shipping (including ports) • pipelines PRDD EE Policy Reporting & Analysis Data Development & Research April 24, 2008 November 27, 2007 April 2008 • Responsibility • Working Conditions • Skill • Effort
2. What we have and how it works 2.3 The Racism Free Workplace Strategy* The RFWS promotes a fair and inclusive workplace, free of discriminatory barriers to the employment and advancement of members of visible minorities (VM) and Aboriginal peoples (AP) It focuses primarily on workplaces under the jurisdiction of the Employment Equity Act and the Federal Contractors Program, thereby complementing and increasing the Act’s effectiveness * Note – this is a program only, not mandatory
2. What we have and how it works 2.3 The Racism Free Workplace Strategy Racism Prevention Officers (RPOs): • Provide front-line assistance • Raise awareness on workplace racial discrimination • Help employers in their recruitment, retention and advancement of visible minorities and Aboriginal peoples • Build networks between community NGOs and employers • Provide tools and direct support to employers and other clients on racism-free workplace issues • Deliver racism-free workplace awareness sessions • Help employers address workplace racism-related conflict
3. Measuring ProgressStatistics Canada and the census Needed to measure results: For employers to measure level of under-representation For govt to measure and report on results For CHRC to assess sufficiency or obtain evidence of SD For public groups to advocate or collaborate Battle to ask ‘Race’ Question Pilot Questionnaire Inclusion of ‘Race’ Question in 2001 Census Census every 5 years – results in updated Labour Market information used for determination of availability
Solutions: Working together (In no order of preference) • CAPAR: PCH-Multiculturalism, CIC, Justice (& Stats Can) • NFB: Creation of DVDs to engage people on the issues and Citizenshift Web site • Metropolis Project: Focused racism related research, participate in conferences/workshops Informal Partnerships • AHRC: Outreach to Aboriginal community, and specific focus on Aboriginal challenges/issues • CRRF: Cross-promotion; best practices, training and tools • CHRC: Collaborate on training and education • Lancaster: National educational awareness with legal/community experts
3. Progress Special issues associated with survey of aboriginal peoples and with persons with disabilities EEA requires Minister of Labour to disseminate information on availability of designated groups by occupational group and geographic region (National, provincial and metropolitan areas)
Women in the Federally Regulated Private Sector& Crown Corporations 3. Progress
Members of Visible Minorities in the Federally Regulated Private Sector & Crown Corporations 3. Progress
Aboriginal Peoples in the Federally Regulated Private Sector & Crown Corporations 3. Progress
Persons with Disabilities in the Federally Regulated Private Sector & Crown Corporations 3. Progress
4. Implementation What govt can do to encourage implementation Provide information, educate Provide tools, user friendly web tools Provide services to employers Utilize employer associations Build alliances – partner with advocacy/service groups Integrate with other govt programming, especially related to employment Monitor and report publicly, publicize sanctions Recognize excellence
4. Implementation What employers can do to implement Utilize information routes available Join employer association Partner with other equity groups, advocacy or service groups Partner with employment groups (those facilitating employment of its members, including immigration settlement organizations) Network: build on successes tried by other employers Communicate publicly
Surveys of discrimination/ racism • 2007 Léger Marketing found 47% of Canadians admit to be at least slightly racist, and 92% have witnessed racist behaviour • 2005 Ipsos-Reid survey said 17% of Canadians believe they have been victims of racism • 2003 Statistics Canada’s Ethnic DiversitySurvey indicated 35% perception of racism in the workplace by visible minorities • 2003 Ekos survey, indicates 46% of Aboriginal Peoples living off-reserve are victims of racism or discrimination • 2002 Ipsos-Reid found 61% of Canadians think racism against Aboriginal Peoples separates them from society
Distribution of Women in Permanent Full-time Positions in the Federally Regulated Private Sector & Crown Corporations(1987 and 2004) * Indexing is based on the Bank of Canada’s Inflation Calculator and Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Indexes. HRSDC-Labour October 2006 Salary Range 1987 Actual 2004 Actual 2004 Indexed to 1987* All Men Women All Men Women Women Under $15,000 3.3% 3.2% 3.5% 0.6% 0.7% 0.3% 2.9% $15,000-$29,999 54.6% 39.7% 79.3% 10.3% 7.5% 14.5% 60.9% $30,000-$49,999 35.2% 46.8% 16.0% 46.3% 40.4% 55.2% 27.6% $50,000-$69,999 5.3% 7.9% 1.1% 23.5% 26.8% 18.5% 5.7% $70,000 and over 1.6% 2.4% 0.1% 19.3% 24.5% 11.5% 3.0% Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Average Salary of Women who worked in Permanent Full-time Positions in the Federally Regulated Private Sector & Crown Corporationsby Sector in 2004 compared to the Labour Market * Source: Statistics Canada, 2001 Census of Canada (full-time, full-year income without inflation). ** Source: Statistics Canada, 2004 Consumers Price Index (with inflation). HRSDC-Labour Sept. 28, 2006 Sector Men Women Women as a % of Men Banking $75,906 $49,218 64.8% Communications $60,244 $52,055 86.4% Transportation $56,903 $40,563 71.3% Other $68,638 $54,636 79.6% Total $62,404 $49,072 78.6% Canadian Labour Market (2001 Census)* $49,224 $34,892 70.9% Canadian Labour Market (2004)** $54,090 $38,326 70.9%
In 2004, for workers employed in permanent full-time positions in the federally regulated private sector and Crown corporations workforce: • the average salaries of women were below those received by men at each of the four sectors and the overall levels; • the greatest gap in average salaries between women and men was in the banking sector; • the average salaries of both men and women were above those in the 2001 and 2004 Canadian labour market (with or without inflation); and • the estimated average salary earned by women as a percentage of the average salary earned by men was 78.6% compared to 70.7% in 1987.
Hires of Members of Visible Minorities in the Federally Regulated Private Sector & Crown Corporations compared to the Labour Market * Source: Statistics Canada, Censuses of Canada conducted every 5 years.
Terminations & Representation of Members of Visible Minorities in the Federally Regulated Private Sector & Crown Corporations * Members of visible minorities’ share of terminations is compared to the previous year’s representation.
Promotions & Representation of Members of Visible Minorities in the Federally Regulated Private Sector & Crown Corporations * Members of visible minorities’ share of promotions is compared to the previous year’s representation.
Legislative Framework MinisterResponsible:JusticeLabour LabourTreasuryBoard(PSHRMAC PSC)Labour Legislation:Charter of RightsCanadian Human Rights Act HR Complaints ◦Individual◦Systemic Discrimination EqualPayEmploymentEquityAct FederalJurisdiction(public report) Contractors Federal Public Service (report)EqualPay CHRC – section 11 Canada Labour Code◦Educate◦Monitor◦Mediate Enforcement:JusticeInvestigationHR TribunalsOrders to employersCHRC compliance audit & ordersLabour WorkplaceEquityOfficersCHRC AuditLabour AffairsOfficersmayrefer to CHRC for investigationPayEquity Tribunal HRSDC-Labour Sept. 28, 2006